HanesBrands and its employees pledged $1.97 million this year to the United Way of Forsyth County and surrounding communities, earning the United Way’s 11th campaign excellence award. The United Way of North Carolina (UWFC) awarded Hanes with its Spirit of North Carolina Award for campaign excellence, the 10th consecutive Spirit Award and 11th earned in the past 12 years by Hanes and its employees. HanesBrands participates in the promotional products industry as supplier Hanes/Champion (PPAI 191138).

“HanesBrands has demonstrated excellence in its United Way campaign, but also a strong philanthropic culture and community engagement,” says Cindy Gordineer, UWFC president and CEO. “HanesBrands received high marks (in the Spirit Award selection process) for overall organizational volunteer culture, collaborative work with United Way, employee engagement, and participation.”

Hanes was one of 30 organizations in the state to be highlighted and one of five companies in Forsyth County to receive the Spirit Award. Since 2006, the company and its Forsyth County employees have contributed more than $25.5 million to United Way agencies.

The United Way cited the company’s use of special events to engage and educate employees and the role of its leadership team in promoting a culture of philanthropy and community support. To support employee volunteerism, Hanes granted paid time off to nearly 400 headquarters employees to participate in the company’s Day of Caring at 13 local community agencies. Employee volunteers contributed more than 1,600 volunteer hours performing various tasks at the agencies including landscaping, painting, administrative duties, and more.

During the weeklong campaign, activities held on campus included a kickoff celebration, silent auctions and an agency fair that provided employees an opportunity to learn about the various local nonprofit agencies in attendance.